which applies to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which applies to" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce information that is relevant to a certain person, place, thing, or idea. For example, "The new law, which applies to all citizens, requires everyone to wear a face mask in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

None of which applies to Turkey.

The New York Times

Mr. Clement responded that the challenge is to the mandate, which applies to almost all Americans, rather than the penalty, which applies to a subset of them.

The New York Times

I'd like to make an important point, which applies to all my cooking.

The New York Times - Food

This bill merely spells out clearly that which applies to other forms of illegal behavior.

The New York Times

Amazon has a similar extension, which applies to items bought directly.

The Guardian - Money

Plus, it's so much more specific than "bi-racial," which applies to any old miscegenation combination.

The Guardian - Opinion

"quiet period," which applies to any company preparing to issue stock.

The New Yorker

The show is called The Poet Speaks, which applies to both Ginsberg and Smith.

The Guardian - Music

The marginal rate – which applies to earnings above £150,000 – was only ever to be temporary.

Independent

This is a generalized phenomenon, which applies to other aspects of life.

The New York Times

There's a difference between wanting it, which applies to every human, and it happening, which is what cable shows.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which applies to", ensure that the clause is nonrestrictive, meaning it provides additional but not essential information. Use commas to set off the clause. For example: "The rule, which applies to all students, will be enforced strictly."

Common error

A common mistake is using "that" instead of "which" in nonrestrictive clauses. Remember, "which" introduces nonessential information and is set off by commas, while "that" introduces essential information and does not use commas. Don't write: "The rule that applies to all students will be enforced strictly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which applies to" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or nonessential) clause, providing additional information about the noun or noun phrase it modifies. As seen in Ludwig, it adds descriptive detail that isn't crucial to the sentence's core meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which applies to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses, clarifying the scope or relevance of a preceding noun or idea. Ludwig AI highlights its correct usage and widespread applicability. It is frequently found in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, remember to set off the "which applies to" clause with commas and avoid confusing it with "that applies to", which introduces essential information. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "which applies to" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is applicable to

Emphasizes the suitability and fitness for a particular situation.

that is relevant to

Focuses on the relevance or pertinence of something to a specific context.

that is pertinent to

Highlights the direct and significant relevance of something.

that pertains to

Implies a direct and specific relevance to a particular subject or matter.

that is appropriate for

Indicates suitability and correctness for a specific context or purpose.

that is connected to

Indicates a link or association between two things.

that is in effect for

Highlights the operational or active status of a rule, law, or condition.

that is in force for

Emphasizes the validity and authority of a rule or regulation.

that is related to

Suggests a broader connection or association, not necessarily direct application.

that is designated for

Highlights that something is intended or assigned for a particular use.

FAQs

How do I use "which applies to" in a sentence?

Use "which applies to" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional information about something. For instance, "The new regulation, "which applies to" all employees, will be implemented next month."

What's a good alternative to "which applies to"?

Alternatives include "that is relevant to", "that is applicable to", or "that pertains to", depending on the specific context.

Is "which applies to" formal or informal?

"Which applies to" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than on the phrase itself.

What is the difference between "which applies to" and "that applies to"?

"Which applies to" introduces a nonrestrictive clause (additional, nonessential information), while "that applies to" introduces a restrictive clause (essential information). Use commas with "which applies to" but not with "that applies to".